Much research has been expended on the development of KBS as possible tools for assisting with conceptual design. There has been some successful research, but few new practical ideas have emerged. This paper describes a different approach to the development of a computational design tool, whose roots lie in knowledge based approaches but which has applied the technique of heuristic substitution, consequently resulting in a style of system which is entirely novel. The domain of the system is the preliminary costing of bridge designs. A simplified costing model is linked to approximate (but reasonably accurate) analysis techniques, enabling an effective decision support system to be developed. The system has the potential to provide the designer with easily accessible and usable cost information which will greatly facilitate the search for the most appropriate solution. The techniques described, although applied to Bridge design, are generic.

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